Feb. 26, 2008

The Bengals have seven unrestricted free agents on defense. It’s unlikely all of them will return, what with Cincinnati again finishing near the bottom of the league in defense and the team perhaps contemplating a move to a 3-4 scheme. The Bengals elected not to use the franchise tag on DE Justin Smith for a second year in a row, which could spell the end of his time in Cincinnati. Smith’s strong character and above-average talent will make him a wanted man in free agency, and the Bengals may not be able to keep him. Instead of giving the tag to Smith, the Bengals placed it on Stacy Andrews, who has developed nicely under the tutelage of OL coach Paul Alexander. Madieu Williams figures to draw interest from other teams, and the Bengals are probably not going to spend big to keep him,  considering the way young safeties Marvin White and Chinedum Ndukwe developed last season. Dhani Jones might be back in a reserve’s role, as could run stuffer Bryan Robinson. Landon Johnson’s versatility will make him a top attraction in free agency; he could sign elsewhere early in the signing period.